Balancing State Security and Individual Rights: A Critical Analysis of Counter-Terrorism Measures in Pakistan

Abstract

This study theoretically assessed the conflict between societal security and liberty regarding the counter-terrorism in the context of Pakistan. In this study the researcher employed the doctrinal legal research approach in order to study the legal frameworks about the security states and individual rights such are constitutional laws, statutes, case laws and research articles. The research analyzed the conflict between state security and individual rights in Pakistan. The objective was to determine compliance of the existing laws with international human rights standards and at the same time consider threats from disasters and other security threats. As the analysis showed it is largely problematical in terms of counter-terrorism policing to enjoy unfettered, sweeping counter-terrorism powers like preventative conflict and surveillance as they erode due process and personal liberty. In view of the study, it emerged that Pakistan has progressed significantly in the fight against terrorism through the legal reforms but enforcement practices often desecrate human rights crippling the principles of justice and law in the country. The study also highlighted issues of legislative reforms in relation to security and freedom and how the state can be secured together with human rights responsibilities.